First Episode Delves into the Tensions between States and the Federal Government over Marijuana Policy

Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government has launched a new podcast, “Policy Outsider,” to examine pressing public policy issues facing New York State and the nation and discuss the latest research and analysis from the Rockefeller Institute team. 

“Policy Outsider” aims to take listeners outside the halls of power to understand how decisions of law and policy affect our lives on a day-to-day basis. From the opioid epidemic to education inequity and the federalism issues at the heart of marijuana legalization, monthly episodes will dive deep into the latest studies and analyses conducted by researchers at the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Additional episodes will bring listeners into forums at the Institute — such as upcoming events on the pay equity gap and artificial intelligence — and provide timely analysis of public policy debates.
 
“This is an exciting new platform to bring the Rockefeller Institute’s cutting-edge research and live forums to a wider audience,” said Rockefeller Institute President Jim Malatras. “We’ll bring you lively conversations among researchers as well as trips into the field — like to Sullivan County, where we’ve been studying the opioid epidemic — to understand how public policy actually plays out from top to bottom.”
 
“Our new podcast connects Rockefeller Institute researchers directly with our audience for accessible conversations about how public policy works and why it matters,” said Rockefeller Institute Communications Director Kyle Adams. “Each month, listeners will get a substantive, insightful breakdown of prominent policy questions straight from the experts — as well as a look at the people and methods behind the research.”
 
The first episode delves into the growing tension between states and the federal government over marijuana policy with Rockefeller Institute Chief of Staff and Fellow Heather Trela, who has been following the issue with a series of analyses over the past year. Upcoming episodes will examine the balance of payments between states and the federal government, the Institute’s long-term study of the opioid crisis in New York’s Sullivan County, and the potential effects of artificial intelligence on labor, the economy, and society.
 
Listen today at rockinst.org/outsider and subscribe to “Policy Outsider” on your preferred podcast platforms.